The Afters' style isn't unique, but their execution of it is perfect. There's not a single song on this album that I don't enjoy. The faster songs are all catchy, the slower songs all beautiful. I can wholeheartedly recommend buying this album in full.
My favorite songs: Tonight - catchy rhythm Ocean Wide - very pleasing melody (though this is the sort of song I could see getting overplayed...) Myspace Girl - cute and funny, and even better because it's based on a true story of their former bass player We Are the Sound - this is the first song I heard by them, and it immediately intrigued me--I love the changing time signature
My only complaint would be that some of the slower songs' melodies sound similar, but I suppose that's a complaint that holds for a lot of the music played on the radio (and these songs are definitely radio-playable).
Overall, great album that you can listen to in its entirety without skipping any tracks! :)
I wish The Afters would keep putting out records like this. Light Up the Sky was a huge step backwards for the group, in my opinion. This is my new favorite cd so I should be careful because I don't wanna get sick of it. But how is that possible? I dunno. Very well done, and I've heard alot of music. In comarison to any other bands, I would say Anberlin, except...better. Yeah...I said it. Ha!
"Never Going Back to OK" is really a fantastic album. The Afters have really combined their great songwriting, harmonies, talents and passions for their faith to make some great music. I would say "I hope they have more great albums to come!" but I have already been listening to their later albums for years now. Since I was going back in time, I was eager to hear what their earlier work sounded like, and I am enjoying it just as much.
From their driving rock songs like the title track, "Never Going Back to OK," to more fun, upbeat and poppy songs like "Myspace Girl," they are positive and confident, displaying a mentality and providing an overall feeling that can sometimes be hard to find today. Furthermore, their slower, beautiful and melodic ballads ("Summer Again" and MOST IMPORTANTLY "Ocean Wide") make me look into my own heart, look at the world in a slower, more picturesque manner, and say a couple words of thanks for the wonderful gift of music. Their music helped me in a difficult time of self-discovery and trying to re-establish my faith, and I am very thankful for groups like this.
Favorite track on the album, without a doubt, is "Ocean Wide."
They are a "Christian Band." Their music is classified as religious. They send strong messages of hope, love and faith. But that doesn't mean you have to be a religious person to enjoy their music.
Listeners who enjoy this album should definitely check out their debut album, "I Wish We All Could Win"
I first heard of the after while i was watching tv. I spot them on a christian channel. They were doing a live show,singing there new cd (never going back to OK ). They really blow my mind. The songs are great and their playing is right on time. This is a cd you must have. If you like rock, this one is for you. Young or old you will enjoy it. God bless